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C.OPYRIGET DEPOSIT 



THE BLOOD STAINED ROSE 




Lillian Sincere Ahrens 



THE 

BLOOD STAINED 
ROSE 

A ROMANCE 

BY 

LILLIAN SINCERE AHRENS 



PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR 

HOTEL LAURELTON 

NEW YORK CITY 









Copyright 1917 



MM -7 /9I7 

©aA470482 



^ 



'^In every stern and unimaginative age, there 
is more danger to he feared from the want 
of romance, than from excess of itJ' 



So, my friend, at this age most opportune, 
A romance laced with smiles and tears, 
I present to thee. 

If thou would'st thy soul with garlands 
Of ambrosial sweets enchain, I pray thee, 
With my worthy players dwell awhile. 



The Blood-Stained Rose 



PART ONE. 

On a spring morn, aglow with happiness, 

Marian roamed her garden fair, and cried, 

"I seek thee, love; where are thou?" 

The lingering gold of dawn, the violets 
from purple bed, 

The fragrance of the sweets of spring suf- 
fused her thoughts. 

While toying with a rose she pricked her 
hand. 

But undisturbed, and with playful mien, she 
stained the white rose red. 

Then tossing it with childish mirth, she cried, 

"The youth who this rose finds, I'll wed!" 

The encrimsoned rose lay prone. Marian 
on her way went singing, 



10 The Blood-Stained Rose 

But ere she had taken many steps, she 
paused, 

And then she turned; for, having o'erheard 
her boast, 

And lured by the cadence of her voice — 

Two youths, as if by magic, from the road 
appeared. 

And with accord made haste to claim the rose. 

Now Marian, noting two hands about to 
clash, 

To a nearby rose bower hied. 

Then one youth spoke. " 'Tis strange," he 
said, 

"This meeting, as by God divined." 

The other sprang away, as though the cal- 
loused hand 
Had been an adder's fang, held out to him. 



The Blood-Stained Rose 11 

"Nay sir, no harm I ween, to either — 

Thou'rt heir to yonder rose, perhaps, and 
too, a prince thou art, 

Still, must thou worthy prove thyself." 

The prince, stung to the quick, cried, 

"Thou ruffian. One more word and thou'lt 

go 
By my sword o'er yonder cliff!" 

"Nay, thou would'st not pierce this heart, 
though rough; 

Nor still a tongue not taught to say fine 
words. 

Thine eyes speak tenderly. And, strangely, 
as I gaze on thee, 

I think, though fine, thou'rt very like myself. 

A look! A word! I beg thee! Wilt not 
speak? 



12 The Blood-Stained Rose 

Then bear with me until my story's told — 

I'll not be long in telling it; and then, 

If proved kin by my story, 

Then hast thou won, mayhap, the trophy 
sought." 

The handsome prince laughed loud! 

" 'Tis well, mad man, but make thy story 
short!" 

(And now it came to pass that Marian's 
friend, 

Her lady in waiting, by name of Enid known. 

Appeared on the castle step, in search of 
Marian. 

She gazed around with shaded eyes, 

And saw two youths standing as in dispute, 

And from her hiding place a glimpse of 
Marian's skirt. 



The Blood-Stained Rose 13 

Well knowing how the intruders to evade, 

In time to hear the story, she reached the 
bower.) 

"My name is John; by friends I'm Brawny 
called; 

My mother? my mother! Ah memory dear! 

Her slender body swayed by grace, her eyes 
love-lit, 

And lips that uttered but the sweetest sound. 

'Tis good to know she was my mother! 

Thou look'st as if thou might'st have known 
her. 

My mother, with her enkindled soul. 

My father a sailor was, under whose rough 
cloak 

There beat a heart of fibre fine — 

A man whose sleep was lullel by winds, 



14 The Blood-Stained Rose 

Who dreamed not only of his ship's fair 
bow, 

But all that lay beyond. 

A brother had I, a handsome but frail lad. 

One day while he lay feeble on his bed, 

My mother o'er him bent with tender care, 

When suddenly the wild lash on the water's 
edge, 

The gull's shrill cry! The rift in the clouds ! 

Told us The Hawk had come to port, 

And my father to sea was called. 

' 'Twere well to take him with thee, John,' 
my mother gently said, 

'Nay, thou'rt not frightened at the thought, 

A roughing on the sea will give him life!' 

My father looked aghast! 



The Blood-Stained Rose IS 

'Thou'rt jesting, wife — would'st part with 
him, thy httle one?' 

'Take him with thee,' my mother begged. 

Thou'lt bring him back pink as a rose ! 

And then, the sacrifice so bravely made, she 
wept 

As tenderly my father from the bed lifted 
my brother. 

'No tears, dear wife!' he cried, 

Til bring him back in lively tune ; and John, 

Take care of her. 'Twill not be long.' 

So, they sailed away, while we were left 
alone. 

We waited, waited. And on that dreadful 
day. 

When earth and heaven clashed, a message 
came, that read. 



The Blood-Stained Rose 



'While homeward bound, down went The 
Hawk with all on board.' 

My heart breaks at the thought. 

Still we waited — that tragedy of waiting! 

Each incoming ship was a hop^e renewed, 
that they were spared. 
'Twas vain. 

As years rolled on, my mother aged. 
And though she called me oft her all in all, 
I could not be to her what all might be. 
Nor could I bring them back. 
To make a matter short, she would not live. 
'Bury me, too, at sea,' she begged; 
'There will I find, perhaps, the ones I love.' 
And there she lies, at sea, my mother. 

Whereas I seek the two for love of whom 
she died. 



The Blood-Stained Rose 17 



And now, as I before thee stand, dear prince, 

Though thou art older grown, thou'rt like 
my brother 

More than any I have known." 

The story finished, Marian and her friend. 

Deeper amid the roses stole, and stilled their 
sobs. 

The prince grew pale, and shuddered as if 
somiething stirred his soul. 

"Now thy story's told; and though with 
eagerness I'd grasp the rose, 

I must abide until I've spoken to the end. 

''I too, a lovely mother had," he said, 
"Though only from my father learned; 
Yet In fancy I my mother knew — 
Like as a phantom from another world. 



18 The Blood-Stained Rose 

And, ne'er shall I forget, in a ship's bow was 
I laid, 

A frail lad, by the sailors petted much. 

Under their rough, yet tender care, I grew — 

Though not much knowledge from books 
had I, still. 

Amidst the rigging high, I learned the mys- 
tery of the moon; 

For pastime, I heard yarns by sailors spun. 

One called Dan a story told about a prince. 
He said 'Aladine,' (so was I called) 

'A queen I know will some day seek thee out, 
and make thee prince of her domain; 

Thou'lt be her solace for her only son. 

Lost in a drunken brawl. I at that time his 
valet was, 

And I so loved the lad, I could not stay. 



The Blood-Sta ined Rose 19 

The queen, heeding my discontent, bade me 
to go. 

"Farewell Daniel," she said, "Seek thou for 
me another, 

To take his place ; let him be of tender years ; 

It matters not, if lowly his birth should be; 

Still it becomes a prince to be well knit and 
strong of heart!" ' 

I laughed at Dan, and at his seaman's tale, 
I vowed no queen was great enough to tear 
me from my father. 

'Twas not long after Dan his story told 

That darkness and disaster came. 

'Twas as if The Hawk by fear was stirred! 

A hellish element appeared to crush her bow, 
and tear her sail; 

iMy father lashed me to the mast. 



20 The Blood-Stained Rose 

And, though I struggled to be free, 

I was Hke a mouse twlxt a cat's jaw, 

So closely was I bound. From the mast, 

In awe, I viewed the bravery of my father, 

As o'er the storm-beaten deck, with fearful 
cry ! 

He urged his men, till hoarse of voice and 
weak from injury. 

He laid him down to die. 'Aladine, thou'lt 
be saved!' he cried. 

'I would have waited as I promised her, 

To bring thee back pink as a rose, but now, 

'Tis late, too late ! Perhaps thou'lt find thy 
mother. 

And thy brother. But blame me not for 
dying. 



The Blood-Stained Rose 21 

Ere I brought thee back to her in Hvely 
tune.' 

Then in dehrium he tossed, and wrung my 
heart 

Crying, 'No tears, dear wife, I'll bring him 
back!' ■ 

'Twas pitiful, I begged to die with him. 

I tried to break my chains, but vain, all vain! 

And, as with glazed eyes he gazed at me. 

It seemed too much, too much, to bear. 

As twilight gathered round the death 
doomed ship. 

So many wild seas braved, with one last 
throb gave way. 

And thinking 'twas the end, weakly I cried, 
'Father! my father!' 



22 The Blood-Stained Rose 

Out from the darkness a voice leaped — Dan's 
voice — 

'I'll save thee, lad!' 

Then all was dark for many months. 

One day I woke to find myself in princely 
robe, 

And standing at my bed with men of state, 

Was Dan, the sailor who my fortune told. 
'I told thee, lad, 



., iM,V^, 



A queen would seek thee out and make thee 

prince of her domain. 

How may I serve thee now, dear Majesty?' 
he asked, 

Kissing my hand with stately grace. 

'Ah, Dan, my friend, still thou my friend 
wilt be ; 



The Blood-Stained Rose 23 

And too, court jester, to make me merry 
with thy sea yarns gay, 

But sometime we shall speak of him, my 
father.' " 

After Aladine his story told, and brother was 
sure of brother, 

John, a promise to fulfill, lifted the rose 
with tender care. 

And placed it in Aladine's hand, saying, 

"Yes, thou'rt heir not only to the rose and 
to thy princedom great. 

But to the heart of a maiden fair, and too, 
a brother's love. 

There is no fairer token I may give 

Than this red rose. Wear it upon thy heart, 
my brother: it is thine." 



PART TWO 



The Blood-Stained Rose 27 

PART TWO 

The story heard of how the brothers met, 
Marian and her friend, thrilled to the quick. 
Left their hiding a-tremble; and stole 
Along an unseen path of drooping trees. 
Around Marian's soul a sweetness clung, 

Like the fragrance of a rose new born; and 
Enid's heart 

Beat quickly 'gainst her breast. 

At the Castle door they turned; and from 
afar, 

Saw two youths wend their way unto the 
Castle Aladine. 

So it came to pass, at the Castle Aladine, 

John by his brother's sword a knight was 
made; 



28 The Blood-Stained Rose 

Tho difficult at first, he the court's manner 
learned. 

And so, a great change in his life was 
wrought. 

As time wore on, Marian found Heart's 
ease in thoughts of Aladine, 

While Enid's head was well nigh filled with 
dreams of John. 

But, alas ! love oft is wafted by a fickle wind, 

And is borne astray in the wafting. 

So it happened that on one June day, 
Aladine, 

By princely duties worn, unaccompanied by 
his brother, 

Rode down the castle path, granting his 
steed full rein 

To wander at will; and as if by mystic force 



The Blood-Stained Rose 29 

He was carried through a wondrous scene, 
in harmony wrought. 

Not far off a rising hill bathed in the sun, 

Where lambkins drowsed in the noonday 
heat. 

And then he heard the symphony of song- 
sters through the woods, 

Felt the soft breeze that stirred the wide 

open petals of roses. 
Lingered at a mirror stream by water lilies 

graced, 

Reflecting a sapphire sky; and at last. 

Reached the enchanted spot, where first the 
rose awaited him. 

Coincidently strange as it may seem, Enid, 
worn by sleepless nights, 

Unable to endure the loud beating of her 
heart. 



30 The Blood-Stained Rose 

Sought, for repose, this very paradise. 

So they met; Aladine with head drawn high 
— noble, serene; 

And Enid, forgetting Marian, her soul of 
modesty undressed, 

Stood quickly clothed in woman's wiles. 

And in this robe she boldly greeted him. 

Aladine, caught by the flame within her eye, 
held out his arms. 

As lip met quivering lip all save that moment 
was forgot. 

Though but a moment, still an eternity it 
seemed to them. 

Then gently he loosed his hold and spoke in 
tender terms. 

He told her, that, through a Blood Stained 
Rose with abandon tossed. 



rhe Blood-Stained Rose 31 

He found the road to a maiden's heart, and 
too, a brother's love. 

Enid in feigned surprise, after a moment 
said, 

"Wonderful Aladine, the rose worn near thy 
heart 

Was by my own blood stained." 

Then on his shoulder Enid hid her face. 

That in her eyes the lie he might not read. 

Once more he held her form in fond embrace, 

iVnd then they parted, vowing with hearts 
and lips, a tryst they'd keep. 

'Twas in the time of their many trysts, that 
Marian, 

Wondering at the cold mien of her friend, 
contrived by watchfulness 

To solve the riddle. 



32 The Blood-Stained Rose 

On one moonlit eve, while wandering from 
the Castle Everywhere 

In search of Enid, Marian stopped with 
sudden fear 

And like a startled fawn fleeing the moun- 
tainside. 

Knowing the hunter near, hastened from the 
crunching sound 

Of horse's hoofs; but too late to evade the 

intruder, 
For on his steed, outlined against the sky. 
Sat the Prince Aladine. 
'Twas thus the two whom fate decreed were 

justly one, to be. 

Gazed each at other, with soul wrapped, in- 
tent ; 

In his eyes was pictured beauty of which he 
had not dreamed. 



The Blood-Stained Rose 33 

And she, Ah! ne'er had purer glance been 
hfted to his own. 

Aladlne sHpped hghtly from his steed, 

And bowing low o'er Marian's hand, with 
emotion deep, 

Spoke of the night coming on. He told her 

As a brother might, It was not wise, so fair 
a maid 

Should walk abroad, alone; praying the hon- 
or of accompanying her. 

Marian smiled consent. All the way 

He spoke of moon-lit nights, and flower- 
paths, 
Until at last, reaching Castle Everywhere, 

Marian bade him enter, her guest. 

He followed her. 



34 The Blood-Stained Rose 

Meanwhile, Enid perturbed because of Alad- 
Ine's stay, 

Sought him in the usual path, until worn with 
vain seeking, 

She reached the Castle gate. It opened wide 
to receive her. 

And behold! the Castle Everywhere, 

With lords and ladies decked in jewels rare, 

Vied with the stars and lights in shimmering! 

Then came the dance with stately grace. 

By spirit strings of sweetest music led; and 
laughter. 

And lovers' mirth like ripples on a waveless 
sea; 

'Twas a scene most beautiful to look on. 

But Enid, her face pressed against a pane, 
and her dazed eyes 



The Blood-Stained Rose 35 

Gazing at the two who led the dance, 

Felt the blood close round her heart, and 
swooned. 

Then, as if by God-given strength restored, 
she reached the castle door; 

There pages bore her in and to her room. 

At the stroke of twelve, the dance o'er, 
Aladine bade his love farewell, 

And promised that they'd meet again. And 
Marian at last. 

Having found her love, and thinking it must 
be by the whole world shared. 

Sought Enid in her room. And with caresses 
fond, 

Marian in joyful tone, spoke of her love. 

"Nay, weep not, thou too shall taste the 
sweets of love, 



36 The Blood-Stained Rose 

For much he spoke of his brother John. 
Perchance ' ' 

Enid answered not; but into the pillow hid 
her face, 

That Marian might not fathom her distress. 

And in the days that followed, Aladine was 
'twixt heaven and hell, 

Between duty and love, from one to the 
other thrown. 

Now John, not knowing of his brother's 
adventures. 

Thought strange of his many journeys and 
spoke his fears to Dan. 

Two heads, though one a jester's was, proved 
far more wise than one. 

It was decreed that John, who in form Alad- 
ine resembled, 



The Blood-Stained Rose 37 

Should thus clothe himself and follow him. 
Meanwhile Enid, with jealous rage, 

Contrived to seek Marian's, doom by mean 
deceit; 

One day, before her she appeared in feigned 
grief; 

Marian, with quick sympathy, inquired the 
cause. "Ah me ! 

To be for one short hour a princess fair and 
dressed in royal robe 

Would an ambition crown," sighed Enid. 

Said Marian, with trustful mien, "It can be 
done!" 

So, as by magic wand, Enid in royal robe 
was gowned; 

"Mind Enid, for one hour and no more, . 

Mayest thou enjoy the present role !" Marian 
gave command; 



38 The Blood-Stained Rose 

And Enid with a Judas kiss for Marian's 
favor kind, 

Hastened from the Castle Everywhere, a 
tryst to keep with Aladine. 

'Tis strange how providence impedes the 
wiles of men; 

While Aladine was on his way, Enid to meet 

His steed upreared, and on its hauches stood. 

Meanwhile, John, in Aladine's attire was 
seeking him; 

Unacquainted with the road, he turned here 
and there, in vain. 

Then wended his way unto the Castle gate. 

And it so happened that the gate oped wide 
to receive him, 

Who in all appearance was his brother 

Aladine. 



The Blood-Stained Rose 39 

Now Enid, In the garden waiting her tryst 
to keep, 

Heard a horse's tread upon the gravel path, 
and thinking 

'Twas Aladlne, she ran into the road; 

She seized the bridle of John's steed, and 

With Impatient mien Inquired the cause of 
his delay. 

John abashed at this strain; awaited her 
further speech. 

"Thou'rt late, my Aladlne! See, I dressed 
in royal robe for thee — 

That thou might'st love me more. 

Ah! Why hast thou grown cold?. 

Have I offended thee, dear love?" she asked. 

John, knowing no reply, unable to resist her, 

Took Enid to his heart. ^ 



40 The Blood-Stained Rose 

Now Aladlne, once more upon his way, 

Urging his steed with well-set spur, and, 
anxiously bespent, 

Entered the Castle gate. 

Meanwhile, the hour long passed, Marian 
sought her friend. 

With clasped hands and breathing quickly 
drawn, 

She made her way as though to certain 
misery. 

Now step by step unfolds the well wrought 
plot. 

Enid thinking the visitor Aladine, and know- 
ing that his heart. 

By right divine, belonged to Marian, 

Branded Marian a snake — saying her beauty 
and soft words 



The Blood-Stained Rose 41 

Were but a lure to lead him to his doom. 
Then false tears followed. 

"Hast ever heard the story of the Blood 
Stained Rose? 

If not, I'll tell it; perhaps 'twill comfort 
thee." 

At these, John's words, she thought him 
stricken mad, 

For speaking of the Rose as if 'twas some- 
thing new. 

Then as though smitten by an unseen hand, 

She gazed at him, wild eyed, inquiring who 
he was 

And what his purpose. A moment more, 

The masqueraders having come in contact 
with the truth, 

Were seized with sudden fear. 



42 The Blood-Stained Rose 

'Twas then, heavy clouds hung in the sky — 
a warning to all treachery. 

Aladine from afar, fancied he saw 

Marian in another's arms; that one much 
like himself; 

And so with spurs set deep into his steed, he 
vowed revenge ! 

Heavier grew the clouds, as if the world 
drew near its end. 

Enid her head turned quickly and tried to fly 

From what was coming; 'twas not long be- 
fore the brothers met. 

And John, white and trembling, begged 
mercy, saying, 

"I followed thee, my brother, it is true — 

Thou seemed so unlike thyself, and loving 
thee. 



The Blood-Stained Rose 43 

I could not bear to see thee thus." 

But Aiadlne, half blind with rage, unsheathed 
his sword. 

Commanding John to draw. "Impostor!" 
cried he, 

Laughing at his excuse for treason; thinking, 
of course, Enid was Marian. 

"Fight, thou dog," cried Aladine. "Thou 
callest thyself brother? 

Nay, thou liest! Thou hast stolen my 
brother's name 

And his story. And I believed thee! Oh 
God! I believed thee!" 

John, his heart most rent at Aladine's re- 
proach. 

Baring his breast, cried, "Strike then if thou 
wilt. 



44 The Blood-Stained Rose 

Unsheathed my sword remains; 'gainst thee 
I cannot raise it." 

"Coward!" shrieked Aladine, as with a blow 
he felled his brother. 

Then Enid with remorse near mad, her face 
averted, 

And Marian with saddened heart, coming 
upon the scene. 

Stood as if angel struck. Aladine to the 
truth awakening, 

Knelt on the ground, and tried to stem the 
precious blood 

That flowed from his brother's side. Marian, 
too, prayed him to speak. 

Meanwhile, Dan was led by fate to follow 
John 

For providence directs the destiny of man, 
leading him on. 



The Blood-Stained Rose 45 

Light as a sunbeam, darting here and there, 

And ever along the right road. 

O'er the four a cloak of agony fell. 

Enid, with contrite heart, sought Marian's 
forgiveness. 

Marian, bewildered, replied, "I've trusted 
thee through years, my friend; 

Ah, speak not, that I may trust thee still!" 

"Nay, but I am guilty! Only I 'am guilty!" 
Enid cried. 

Marian would brook no further speech. 
"Not now; 

Not while a brother bleeds," she gently said, 

As, tearing from off her gown a strip of silk, 

She bound the wound. John, gazing upon 
her, murmured, 

"Angel, my mother was like thee." 



46 The Blood-Stained Rose 

But pity 'twas to see the grief of Aladine. 

He from his bosom took the Blood-Stained 
Rose 

And placed it in his brother's hand. "Live, 
live," he said. 

"And all I own is thine, my brother! Oh, 
my brother!" 

Now Dan by presage led, 'mongst them ap- 
peared — and stood 
Like a heaven-guided moonbeam 
Lingering on a pit, as if to save the passer-by 
To his quick eye their plight revealed. 

And knowirtg that John's disguise was all its 
cause, 

He decided on his course, and feigned sur- 
prise; 



The Blood-Stained Rose 47 

Inquiring why, as he was full cause of the 
drama, 

He was kept from its rehearsing. 

"By my advice, John sought thee, Aladine ! 

Ah, thou knowest not that I have wandered 
o'er this garden fair 

And, all unseen, have formed this plot. 

'Twas a pitiful mistake I made, urging my 
players to appear in masquerade, 

Knowing full well false garbs make play- 
things out of hearts." 

The truth half told by Dan, like a lightning 
flash, 

Was its cause revealed to all, save Marian. 

Aladine with gratitude that knew not bounds, 

Bowed o'er the hand of his friend, and drew 
it to his lips. 



48 The Blood-Stained Rose 

Dan all but swooned at the caress, 

And John, as with new life instilled, vowed 
that he'd live. 

And, a-tremble with happiness, Enid thanked 
Dan and God. 

Then a moment passed; and, in that lapse 
of time, Marian, 

Her heart tipped by the arrow, doubt, and 
with throbbing pulse. 

Like the martyr who in the arena has not yet 
felt his soul 

God-kissed, but in fear notes only the lion's 
jaw, 

Gazed at them with a burning question in her 
eyes. 

Though an aeon of time it seemed to her 
who waited to be judged. 



The Blood-Stained Rose 49 

'Twas but a moment; for Marian, her soul 
Heaven-swayed, 

Took Enid to her heart and called her sister. 

And then, and then, like elements together 
drawn, 

Marian found herself in her lover's arms; 

While Enid bent o'er John with tender care. 

Now, conscious only of the sacrifice, Aladine, 

Placed in the jester's trembling hand The 
Blood-Stained Rose. 

" 'Tis thine, thou blessed peacemaker, thou 
friend of friends !" 

By a formula divine, in that hand a miracle 
was wrought ! 

For a Power had caused the Rose once more 
to bloom. 



50 The Blood-Stained Rose 

The mist cleared and the sun shone down on 
Aladlne 

As with unsheathed sword he bade the jester 
kneel, 

And entitled him a lord. 

Now, though the story is at its close, we 
must not miss 

The pageant that took place at Castle Every- 
where. 

Ne'er was scene more beautiful ; with courtier 
train 

The wedding party in flower-decked floats, 

And chariots of gold, by proud horses drawn, 

Rode from the Castle Everywhere through 
sylvan paths 

O'er hallowed ground to the spot made dear- 
est by the Rose. 



The Blood-Stained Rose 51 

There they stopped; and kneehng under an 
ether canopy of blue 

They bound themselves in wedlock, soul to 
soul. 

Dan, pressing to his heart his full-blown rose 

Low whispered: "Thou wert Blood Stained, 

Not destined to long life, until by virtue 
kissed. 

Ah, beauteous one, Heaven christens thee, 
Immortality!" 




